Coyote or Fox?

COLDWATER — Coyote and fox sightings have been widely questioned by many in the Branch County area. However, several residents maintain the sightings are accurate.

According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), coyotes are more likely to be seen in urban areas than a Michigan red fox.

On Tuesday, Charlie Hoff of Hoff's Vegetable Farm posted a picture on Facebook with the caption, "I had always heard that there were coyotes on our farm, but I had never seen one. Seen one coming off our porch this morning at 11:23 a.m. after eating the cat's cat food."

The news feed blew up with 80 comments from local residents. Some agreed the animal was a coyote and others believed it was a Michigan red fox.

All agreed the animal looked malnourished. Some people were calling for the animal to be killed, with others strongly disagreeing, asking that DNR be called to assist the animal.

Michigan does offer a hunting season for coyotes, as well as both grey and red fox, with a small game license.

Hoff stated that the animal had been taking up residence in the cat house used for the farm cats, but has not caused harm to anyone or any of the other animals on the farm and has not been seen since Tuesday morning.

Babies were also seen near the farm, and it has been speculated that the animal is female and recently gave birth.

The question still remains on Facebook, is this a coyote or a fox?

For more information about Michigan wild life, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.